Sweat Elite Podcast

Matt Fox celebrates 10 years of Sweat Elite, sharing the story of its beginnings, the successes and failures along the way, and his plans for the future.

Apologies for the slight static in the audio during the second half of this episode. Thanks for bearing with it.
Train with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Sweat Elite Supporters Club:
https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/
Globe Runners - Monte Gordo, Portugal (January 9-17, 2027):
https://www.thegloberunners.com/monte-gordo-running-experience-2027/
Globe Runners - Lisbon, Portugal (February 20-28, 2027):
https://www.thegloberunners.com/
Nutrition Coaching with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/
Personalised Nutrition Meal Plans:
https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/
Eastbound Running - Dynafish Running Shoes:
https://www.eastboundrunning.com/
Matt Fox on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Fox on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Contact Matt:
matt@sweatelite.co
About This Episode
On October 16, 2016, Matt Fox registered sweatelite.co while travelling through Colombia. Ten years later, Sweat Elite has evolved from a small website documenting professional running training into a podcast, YouTube channel, coaching academy and several new running-related businesses.
Matt begins by reflecting on Sweat Mobile, an early attempt to build a running-focused social media platform that attracted approximately 18,000 users before ultimately failing due to financial challenges and the rapid growth of Strava. He explains how that experience, combined with his career at Flight Centre in Singapore, led him to leave his job and launch Sweat Elite while travelling through South America.
The conversation moves through the early years of Sweat Elite, including publishing training articles and e-books, travelling to Kenya, spending time with David Rudisha's training group and the extraordinary experience of knocking on Eliud Kipchoge's door before following his marathon training.
Matt also discusses the growth of the Sweat Elite Podcast, the challenges of launching a YouTube channel during COVID, and the financial realities of travelling around the world to film professional athletes. He explains why the channel gradually shifted towards athlete documentary series and his own marathon training.
He reflects on leaving Best Athletics in 2022, building an independent coaching business, expanding into performance nutrition and why helping athletes improve has become the central focus of Sweat Elite.
Looking ahead, Matt shares updates on the upcoming Globe Runners training camps in Portugal, the early success of Eastbound Running and its launch of Dynafish running shoes, and his longer-term plans for these businesses. He also discusses his decision to move away from traditional sponsorships and the challenges of dealing with criticism online.
Finally, Matt provides an update on his grade 3B soleus tear sustained during the Melbourne Marathon, his recovery progress, the possibility of racing Valencia in December and his upcoming move to Lisbon.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Sweat Elite Turns Ten
00:47 Sweat Mobile Origins
02:33 Startup Struggles
04:14 Singapore Career Pivot
06:35 From App to Articles
08:29 Naming Sweat Elite
10:37 Subscription Site Launch
12:03 First Kenya Breakthrough
14:04 Kipchoge Door Knock
18:21 Podcast Takes Off
19:51 YouTube Dream Reality
26:57 COVID Derails Plans
29:01 Escape and Channel Launch
30:12 Early Channel Momentum
30:37 Switching To Series
32:00 Pros Launch Channels
32:49 Coaching Breakaway Story
34:52 Building Coaching Income
36:21 Nutrition Expansion Plans
37:34 Portugal Trips Update
39:32 Eastbound Shoe Launch
40:47 Cash Flow And Investors
47:31 No Sponsorship Philosophy
49:56 Handling Online Criticism
52:51 Calf Injury And Travel
56:07 Closing Reflections

Matt reflects on a disappointing Melbourne Marathon after calf pain at 12K developed into a race-ending injury at 20K. An MRI revealed a 15cm grade 3B soleus tear, with evidence of an older injury in the same area—putting his Valencia Marathon plans in doubt.
Train with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Sweat Elite Supporters Club:
https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/
Globe Runners — Monte Gordo, Portugal (January 9–17, 2027):
https://www.thegloberunners.com/monte-gordo-running-experience-2027/
Globe Runners — Lisbon, Portugal (February 20–28, 2027):
For trip details and enquiries:
https://www.thegloberunners.com/
Nutrition Coaching with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/
Personalised Nutrition Meal Plans:
https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/
Matt Fox on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Fox on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Contact Matt:
matt@sweatelite.co
After a buildup targeting 2:15, Matt explains how the race unfolded: settling into a pack running around 2:16 pace, managing the initial calf pain, and eventually stopping when it became too severe to continue. He shares why he has no regrets about the DNF—and why he wishes he had pulled out earlier.
He revisits a calf twinge while testing shoes in May and considers possible contributors to the injury, including training load, trail running, tapering, weight loss and racing in the Puma Fast-R 3. The cause remains uncertain, and his recovery plan is still being worked out with his coach and physiotherapist, Kyle.
The listener Q&A covers coping with repeated injury setbacks, keeping base training simple, adjusting training effort in heat and humidity, and finding value in Chinese super shoes. Matt also discusses possible recovery options, including PRP, and shares his views on peptides and anti-doping ethics.
There are reflections on Melbourne's elite drink-station setup, Truett Hanes' marathon progress, and Jimmy Wheela's experience racing against Kipchoge. Matt also shares updates on Globe Runners training trips in Monte Gordo and Lisbon, his running shoe distribution business, nutrition coaching, and an upcoming six-month move to Portugal.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 MRI Results: A 15cm Grade 3B Soleus Tear
00:47 Why the Injury Caught Me by Surprise
01:56 The Calf Warning Back in May
03:08 Melbourne Breakdown: Pain at 12K, Stopping at 20K
05:44 Can Valencia Still Happen?
06:32 Why I Wish I'd Stopped Sooner
07:04 The Positives from Melbourne Weekend
07:39 Portugal Plans and Races in Doubt
08:26 Globe Runners: Monte Gordo and Lisbon Trips
12:25 Running Shoe Distribution Business Update
16:42 Melbourne's Elite Bottle Tables
21:03 Listener Q&A: Weight Loss, GLP-1s and Racing Shoes
24:23 Truett Hanes' 2:23 and Olympic Trials Goal
25:10 Listener Questions on PED Testing
26:07 Melbourne as a Destination Marathon
26:51 Handling a DNF and Injury Setbacks
30:02 Building an Aerobic Base Without Overthinking It
32:56 Calf Recovery: Rest, Rehab and Considering PRP
33:53 Peptides, Injury Treatment and Anti-Doping Ethics
35:45 Jimmy Whelan, Kipchoge and Early Race Surges
37:43 Value Picks for Chinese Super Shoes
40:04 Possible Injury Factors: Trails, Taper, Shoes and Load
42:35 Adjusting Training in Heat and Humidity
45:07 Content Burnout and Moving to Portugal
47:42 Nutrition Coaching and What Comes Next

In this episode, I announce the next Globe Runners Portugal Running Experience in Monte Gordo, share the results of my latest DEXA scan after dropping from 86kg to around 70kg, and discuss what I learned about weight loss, bone health and nutrition along the way. I also share a remarkable 2:07 marathon performance off less than 100km per week and give my final update before racing the Melbourne Marathon this Sunday.
LINKS
Portugal Running Experience - January 9-17, 2027:
https://www.thegloberunners.com/monte-gordo-running-experience-2027/
1:1 Running Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/personalized-1-1/
Running + Nutrition Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/run-nutrition/
Nutrition Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/
Personalised Nutrition Meal Plan:
https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Eastbound Running (Dynafish):
https://www.eastboundrunning.com/
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
I start this episode with something I'm really excited about - the next Globe Runners Portugal Running Experience, taking place in Monte Gordo from January 9-17, 2027.
I explain why I've become increasingly interested in putting my energy into coaching, nutrition and creating running experiences rather than promoting products. A lot of that thinking developed during the months I spent detained in Japan, where I had a huge amount of time to read, write and think about what I actually wanted to work on.
The Portugal experience will bring a small group of runners together for eight nights in Monte Gordo in the Algarve. We'll train together, eat together and explore southern Portugal, with optional day trips around the Algarve and to Seville in Spain. The €1,250 price includes four-star accommodation, three meals per day, airport transfers from Faro and transport for the organised excursions. There are only 16 places available.
I then get into the results of my latest DEXA scan. In April I weighed 86kg at 22.5% body fat. Around five and a half months later, I'm approximately 70kg and my DEXA measured me at 8.5% body fat.
One of the most interesting findings was my bone density. Despite losing roughly 16kg while returning to high-volume marathon training, my measured bone density improved between the two scans. I discuss the things I focused on throughout the process, including calcium-rich foods, vitamin K, vitamin D, sunlight exposure and consistent heavy strength training.
I also talk more broadly about weight loss for runners, the genuine risks of low energy availability and RED-S, and why I think the conversation needs more nuance. Losing weight is not appropriate for every runner, but for athletes with excess body fat who want to reduce it, I believe it can be approached carefully while closely monitoring health, recovery and performance.
I share an example from one of my nutrition athletes whose weight began dropping faster than planned. When his training performance started declining, we increased his energy intake and quickly got things moving in the right direction again.
Then there's a shoutout to Adam Lipschitz, who just ran an incredible 2:07:20 marathon after averaging only around 96km per week over the previous 12 weeks. It's a fascinating example of just how individual marathon training can be and how more mileage isn't automatically better.
Finally, it's Melbourne Marathon race week. I talk about where I think my fitness is compared with when I ran 2:18:41, the potential advantage I'm getting from the Puma Fast-R, the weather forecast, and why I believe a significant PB is possible if everything comes together.
I also briefly discuss what comes next, including moving to Portugal, racing in Europe and potential starts at Alicante and Valencia later this year.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome and Melbourne Marathon taper
00:29 - Reflections from my time in Japan
02:21 - Why I want to focus on running experiences
04:14 - Portugal Running Experience 2027
06:31 - Getting to Monte Gordo and travel logistics
07:18 - The community created through running camps
09:18 - Portugal pricing, accommodation and booking
12:26 - My new DEXA scan results
17:15 - Calcium, vitamin K, vitamin D and strength training
21:35 - Weight loss for runners, RED-S and managing risk
25:55 - Adam Lipschitz runs 2:07 off less than 100km/week
27:24 - Melbourne Marathon fitness and race goals
29:49 - Portugal move, Alicante, Valencia and what's next

Matt answers 15 listener questions about race weight, weight loss, carb cycling, recovery, fueling and running performance.
PERSONAL LINKS
1:1 Running Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/personalized-1-1/
Running + Nutrition Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/run-nutrition/
Nutrition Coaching:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/
Personalised Nutrition Meal Plan:
https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Eastbound Running (Dynafish):
https://www.eastboundrunning.com/
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, Matt answers 15 questions submitted through YouTube about race weight, weight loss and running performance.
Topics include losing weight while maintaining training quality, carbohydrate cycling, calorie deficits during a marathon taper, post-workout fueling, finding your ideal race weight, losing fat versus muscle, GLP-1 medications and heart rate, creatine and water weight, and whether the same weight-loss approach can work for shorter-distance runners and triathletes.
Matt also shares his own experience dropping from around 86kg to 69kg, how body weight played a role in eventually breaking 2:20 for the marathon, and how he is approaching the final two weeks before the Melbourne Marathon.
Later in the episode, Matt gives an update on his Melbourne Marathon goal, testing the Puma Fast-R 3, the upcoming Dynafish launch in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and his move to Lisbon for six months.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome and Scope
00:52 - Safety Disclaimer
01:56 - Why This Topic
05:00 - Sub-2:20 Breakthrough
09:49 - Post-Workout Carbs
11:34 - Calorie Deficit During a Marathon Taper
14:47 - Losing Muscle Mass
17:25 - GLP-1s and Heart Rate
20:46 - Weight Loss for Shorter-Distance Runners
27:23 - The Challenges for Triathletes
30:39 - Weekly Calorie Deficit Numbers
33:16 - Finding Your Ideal Race Weight
36:25 - Creatine and Water Weight
38:07 - Why Not Carb Load Every Day?
41:57 - Nutrition Coaching and Services
45:35 - Melbourne Marathon Update
47:11 - Dynafish Distribution Update
48:52 - Moving to Lisbon
49:24 - Final Wrap-Up
This episode discusses intentional weight loss and calorie restriction in the context of endurance performance. It is not intended for people with a history of eating disorders, RED-S or low energy availability, or anyone concerned they may be at risk of these conditions.

Matt breaks down how to safely lose 5kg+ during a marathon block — using calorie deficits on easy days and big carb windows around hard sessions — so you can train hard and run faster.
Matt Fox / Sweat Elite
Nutrition Coaching: https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/
Run + Nutrition Coaching: https://sweatelite.co/coaching/run-nutrition/
Nutrition Meal Plans: https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/
Personalised Training Plan: https://sweatelite.co/personalised-training-plan/
Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SweatElite
Sweat Elite: https://www.sweatelite.co/
Matt talks about how to lose five kilograms or more in the ten weeks leading into a marathon — while still training hard and aiming to run faster. He pushes back on the old idea that you should finish all weight loss before the marathon-specific block, and shares how he's used this approach five times himself, including a recent stretch where he dropped nearly fifteen kilos.
Matt walks through the method in plain terms: stay in a calorie deficit most of the week, track burn with a watch or rough math, log food with AI photo counting, and then flip into big carbohydrate windows around your two hardest sessions so quality workouts don't suffer. He lands on roughly an eight-hundred-calorie deficit on easy days — enough, on paper, to lose about half a kilo a week and five kilos over ten weeks.
Matt is clear this is not for everyone. If you've dealt with an eating disorder, RED-S, or low energy availability — or you're already below a healthy weight — he says turn the episode off. For listeners who can safely lose the weight, he also covers strength work, bone-health basics, and where coaching or a meal plan fits if you want more accountability.
Timestamps
00:01 Content warning & who should skip
00:36 The goal
02:20 The only rule that matters
03:43 How to track burn
05:33 How to track intake
06:11 Weekly structure: deficit + carb windows
08:00 Hard-session fueling
11:03 Easy-day eating
13:19 GLP-1 note (personal, not recommended)
14:55 The math (why ~800/day)
16:16 Injury-risk buffers
17:45 Risk framing
19:10 Coaching / meal plans
Content warning & who should skip
Eating disorders, RED-S, LEA, and already-lean athletes should not follow this advice. Aimed at people who can safely lose ~5kg+ and want to run faster.
The goal
Lose 5kg+ in the ~10-week marathon-specific block; Matt's personal and coaching experience; pushback on "never diet in the marathon block."
The only rule that matters
Calorie deficit = burn more than you eat. Tracking makes it workable; perfection isn't required.
How to track burn
Garmin (or similar) preferred. Rough guide: ~2,000 kcal/day for many men (5–7k steps); ~1,700 for many women; easy running ~700 kcal/hour; hard running closer to ~1,100 kcal/hour.
How to track intake
Photo-log every meal/drink in ChatGPT (or similar AI); build one daily log; close enough beats exact.
Weekly structure: deficit + carb windows
Most of the week (~5.5 days): solid deficit (~800 kcal/day as a working target).
Around 2 hard sessions (e.g. Wed + Sun): stop deficit counting ~12 hours before; load carbs heavily before, during, and a few hours after.
Hard-session fueling
Example carb load ~400g in the pre-session window; in-session carbs often 70–100g/hour for men (women slightly lower); prioritize white rice, potatoes, bread, pasta in those windows.
Easy-day eating
High-volume, low-calorie foods (fruit, veg, lean protein); flavored soda water as a hunger/dopamine hack; ask AI for satiating low-cal meal ideas.
The math (why ~800/day)
~7,700 kcal deficit ≈ 1kg fat; ~3,800/week ≈ 0.5kg/week ≈ 5kg in 10 weeks. Surpluses in carb windows are expected; the weekly total still lands if easy days stay consistent.
Injury-risk buffers
Start strength (esp. squats) ~1 month before dieting; Vitamin K2 + calcium; prefer food calcium (eggs, milk, cheese). Don't stack diet + big training jump + new gym all at once.
GLP-1 note (personal, not recommended)
Matt mentions microdosing; does not recommend listeners do the same; notes possible GI issues with late-run carbs and plans to stop near race day.
Risk framing
Acknowledges risk; argues high volume is often riskier than a controlled 5kg loss in a block, based on his experience and listener feedback.
Coaching / meal plans
Nutrition coaching (daily accountability) and one-off marathon meal plans available via the link in the episode description.
Key takeaways
Deficit most days; carb-load hard sessions hard
Track burn + intake closely enough to hit ~0.5kg/week
Protect bones and quality sessions; don't copy medical shortcuts casually
Skip this entirely if ED / RED-S / LEA history or already underweight